Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Feb 06, 2010 08:25pm | #1

   It's pretty common with 1/4"
   It's pretty common with 1/4" shank bits. Make sure you don't let the bit hit the bottom of the collet when you tighten it. It doesn't take much to prevent the collet from fully tightening. Check that the cone shaped seat for the collet is clean. I make sure 1/4" shanks are tightened hard. Up spiral, dovetail and other cutting actions that may pull up on the bit have to be watched.

2. 
   [email protected] | Feb 06, 2010 11:33pm | #2

   Not all routers are created equal. Less expensive router, have less expensive collet designs. My first router was a Craftsman I got from my Dad.

   It had a spit shaft collet, that was very finicky about how the bit was installed, and would let the bit creep, if I wasn't very careful. When it launched a bit, I finally went out and bought a Porter Cable 690. I haven't had a problem since.

   But, I also have several brass brushes made for cleaning rifles, that I use to clean the collets on a regular basis.

   Another thing I do is to put an o-ring or two, (or three), on the shank of the bit so that it can't bottom out in the collet, because it bottoms out on the o-rings first.

1. 
   graphguy | Feb 07, 2010 09:47am | #3

   I think, although I tend to avoid this reason as an excuse, is what you hit on...'less expensive router' as the culprit. It is a 5 year old $50 Ryobi that I bought when I first started woodworking. It is the only 1/4" router I have so when I have multiple things going on with my 1/2" routers, I use it. I think it is time to think safety over being 'cheap'. Thanks for the inputs.

1. 
   WillGeorge | Feb 07, 2010 10:21pm | #4

   Just me so take what I say with a 'grain of salt'..

   I have many routers (of several brands).. I have three older Ryobi routers, but I think all of mine cost about $90.00. They are fitted with bits for 'odd' work around the shop. Mostly for hand routing.

   I rarely use any of my routers with a 1/4 inch shaft bit. I almost always use a 1/2 inch shaft bit and I NEVER overtighten the collet. I have never had a bit loosen in any of my routers.

   I do use 1/4 inch shaft bits for hand routing inlays and freehand work. Most of the tiny cutting bits are 1/4 inch shafts. At least for the bits I can afford to use.

   I for one think that maybe your collet was dirty or somehow damaged in use and not necessarily the brand of the little router.

   But then again, I am just me...